Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour review, Dorfman Theatre

For the first forty minutes of Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, I sat grinning like a loon. From the opening, where the convent choir sing like angels, to their descent into rock 'n roll, every moment of this riotous gallop through teen sexuality is warm, funny, and enriching. Then we had a couple of dramatic mood changes. A very shocking retelling by a teenage cancer sufferer, of her rape of a dying man on the cancer ward, brought proceedings to a halt. We were into serious territory now. But...  seconds later we're back on the road boisterously, tunefully, and profanely, as if it never happened.

I held back on reviewing Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour to see if I felt as strongly about the hospital story the next day. I do. This isn't because it's horrible, but because it's presented like a Facebook status - an update on a narrative that is still being played out. While that may be true to life, particularly teen life, it's unsatisfying in drama. It's a recurring problem as Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour burns its way through the evening. Turning points are presented and left un-interrogated. We see the menu but never taste the food.

That said, it is exciting to see a young, all female, cast,  setting the stage alight with a show that debuted last year at the Edinburgh Festival, and is set on the Scottish west coast. Top marks to Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour: Melissa Allan, Caroline Deyga, Kirsty Findlay, Karen Fishwick, Kirsty MacLaren, and Frances Mayli McCann. They may not find submariners to snog in the local bars, as is their intention, but they have a night out that any delinquent teen would be proud of.

In conclusion: Lee Hall's adaptation for the National Theatre of Scotland is directed by the Royal Court's Vicky Featherstone and is surprising, explicit, and uplifting.  When the voices are beautiful, they're really beautiful. As a drama, Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour never develops. It has too many false endings, and leaves you unsatisfied. As a musical entertainment, however, it's perfect summer holiday fun.

References
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, Tickets


Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX      Run ends October 1